By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has completed the development of policy recommendations assigned to it under the Tripartite Committee process and is now preparing for validation and wider stakeholder consultations.
Director of External Relations at the ECSL, Albert Massaquoi, made the disclosure on Monday, September 7, 2026, while speaking on Truth Media’s Morning Devotion programme.
Massaquoi said the Tripartite Committee produced a total of 80 recommendations aimed at addressing challenges within Sierra Leone’s electoral processes and strengthening democratic institutions.
According to him, 52 of the 80 recommendations either directly concern the ECSL or require the Commission to take the lead in their implementation.
He explained that 23 of the 52 recommendations are policy-related, while 12 require constitutional amendments.
Massaquoi said the Commission has already developed the policies required under the relevant recommendations, with some prepared with the assistance of consultants.
“We have developed them. Some have consultants; we just have to validate them,” he said.
He explained that the validation process would allow relevant stakeholders to review the proposed policies, provide input and ensure that the final documents reflect the views and expectations of key actors in the electoral process.
Massaquoi said the Commission has already conducted several engagements with stakeholders and partners as part of efforts to advance the implementation of the tripartite recommendations.
He cited Recommendation 41 as an example of the Commission’s progress. The recommendation focuses on the ECSL’s engagement with partners in developing a code of conduct for election observers.
According to Massaquoi, the Commission has already prepared a draft code of conduct but must undertake wider consultations before it can be finalized.
“We have the draft. We also have to do wider stakeholder engagement,” he explained.
The proposed code of conduct is expected to provide a clearer framework for election observers and strengthen coordination between the ECSL and organizations involved in election observation.
The Tripartite Committee was established to address concerns surrounding Sierra Leone’s electoral processes and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions. Its recommendations involve several institutions, with some falling directly within the mandate of the ECSL and others requiring legislative or constitutional action.
Massaquoi said the ECSL has therefore focused on recommendations within its mandate while continuing to engage relevant institutions and stakeholders on issues requiring broader participation.
The forthcoming validation process is expected to be a key stage in the implementation of the reforms, giving political parties, civil society organizations, election observers and other electoral stakeholders an opportunity to assess the proposed policies and provide recommendations before their adoption.
The completion of the 23 policy-related recommendations marks significant progress in the ECSL’s contribution to the tripartite reform agenda. However, wider consultation and validation will be critical to ensuring that the policies receive broad stakeholder acceptance and are effectively implemented.
With 52 of the 80 recommendations directly linked to the ECSL, the Commission remains a key institution in the implementation of the tripartite recommendations.
The focus will now shift from policy development to validation, consultation and eventual implementation as Sierra Leone continues efforts to strengthen its electoral system and promote greater confidence in democratic processes